18 Charged Over Maidstone Euro 2020 Chaos
Nearly two dozen people are set to face court for violent disorder linked to last year’s UEFA Euro football mayhem in Maidstone town centre. The trouble peaked after the England vs Italy final on 11 July 2021, with police assaulted and property trashed in the rampage.
Who’s Facing the Music?
On 14 December 2022, 18 men will appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder. The accused hail from across Kent, including Rochester, Strood, Gillingham, and Maidstone itself. Some face extra charges like assaulting emergency workers and criminal damage. Here are a few names:
- Charlie Sibbett, 27, Vicarage Lane, Hoo
- Jordan Woodham, 28, no fixed address
- James Kirwan, 20, Cuxton Road, Strood
- Reece Neighbour, 20, Cavendish Avenue, Gillingham
- Nathan Willer, 19, Featherby Road, Gillingham
- Kieran Drew, 23, Norfolk Road, Maidstone
- William Yarnton, 19, Birchwood Road, Maidstone
- Joseph Mborah, 27, Mote Road, Maidstone (also criminal damage)
- Mark Birch, 27, Longfield Place, Maidstone (assault and outraging public decency charges)
In addition, four 17-year-olds and two 16-year-olds are charged with violent disorder and criminal damage offences.
Police Vow Tough Action Ahead of World Cup
“This extensive investigation has led to a total of 24 charges linked to simply unacceptable disorder and violence in Maidstone town centre – some of which led to our officers being injured,” said Superintendent Richard Woolley, west Kent divisional commander.
“We will always seek to prosecute those involved in football-related criminality, whether inside stadiums or on our streets. With the 2022 World Cup just weeks away, we’re stepping up patrols and working closely with pubs and licensed venues to keep the peace.”
The police promise a visible presence and swift action to ensure this year’s tournament is remembered for the right reasons – not last summer’s chaos.
